Headaches and covid 19

[Sxhoolnurse1991]

Are you guys sending home students who have a headache but no other symptoms ? 

[pineappleupsidedowncake, BSN, RN]

I don't send home every headache. Our current policy is that a new onset severe headache must go home, especially with a fever (this is based on the CDC recommendations). Sometimes it is hard for me to distinguish a severe headache when in comes to the little kids though. I usually do my typical headache assessment (onset, characteristic of pain, any recent head injuries, did you eat breakfast/drink any water today, etc). I usually let them lay down for a little bit, and if they don't feel better after that I'll call home and recommend that they are picked up. But as long as it is a mild headache unaccompanied by other symptoms they are not required to go home at our school. I usually find that some water and a few minutes of rest is all it takes, at least the majority of the time.   

[stlrn]

I rarely send home an elementary kiddo with a headache unless accompanied by a fever.  It depends on the severity.  First visit I generally try hydration and short rest period after asking the normal questions about eating, onset, etc.  Second visit (which doesn’t happen often) I speak to mom or dad and potentially give Tylenol or Ibuprofen. The student can still stay unless parents want to pick up or the kid is really struggling.  

[BrisketRN, BSN, RN]

I let them rest for a bit, drink water, and see if there's improvement.  I've had the same kids for a while, so if it's a child who gets headaches frequently I'm less concerned.  That being said, we've had 3 COVID cases in kids under 10 where the only symptom was headache.  These children were only tested because of a known exposure or parents had symptoms.

[arlingtonnurse]

Our policy is only send home for headache in combination of other symptoms.  I stick closely to our policy.  We also test all PK-5 children weekly through pooled testing. 

[guest83140]

No, I am not sending them home just for headaches. They usually have to have at least another identifying symptom of covid or my judgment entails going home. The parent will be called if it is severe and not better after vitals, rest, water, or a history.

[Feral.Cat.Herder, RN]

Per our State Dept of Health we are to send kids home if they present with one high risk symptoms or two or more low risks symptoms.  For headaches with no other complaints I use the WOW Tx. (water, oxygen, wait), I have them slowly drink a cup of water, take slow deep breaths and rest about 5 minutes.  Usually works every time. WOW also works on stomachaches too!

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

I do something very similar.  I like calling it the WOW treatment.  I just may borrow that from you ?

 

[Feral.Cat.Herder, RN]

1 hour ago, Flare said:

I do something very similar.  I like calling it the WOW treatment.  I just may borrow that from you ?

 

Borrow away, I borrowed from another nurse! 

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

2 hours ago, Feral.Cat.Herder said:

Per our State Dept of Health we are to send kids home if they present with one high risk symptoms or two or more low risks symptoms.  For headaches with no other complaints I use the WOW Tx. (water, oxygen, wait), I have them slowly drink a cup of water, take slow deep breaths and rest about 5 minutes.  Usually works every time. WOW also works on stomachaches too!

I guess I do the WOWI, then. (An icepack on the back of the neck or on the forehead often helps as well...)

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

Like many folks above, headache alone - nope. Dehydration while mask wearing is a thing, combined with the fact that even the kids in person are still pretty much on the computer all the time.  

I also do WOW, but I call it water, observe, wait on my end LOL.